The Second Arrow: Self-Compassion in Grief
Bailey Smith , M.Ed.
When you hear the word “grief,” what emotions come to mind? We typically tend to associate grief with the sadness of losing a loved one. What’s often less visible are the many other emotions that accompany grief, some of...
How to Cope with Grief during the Holidays
The holidays are “supposed to” bring joy and peace, but many people do not have that experience as they are coping with the loss of a loved one. No matter when the loss occurred, the holidays can be an...
Complex PTSD: Unraveling the Layers of Persistent Trauma
Alexa Mellman , M.S.W.
While Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is well-known and widely recognized, there is another form of trauma-related condition that goes beyond the scope of traditional PTSD. Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), also known as Developmental Trauma Disorder, is a condition...
Monkey Bars and the Normal Grief of Living Well
Alice D. Hoag , Ed.D.
In playgrounds, there used to be a structure called the Monkey Bars. I believe they’re too dangerous to be included in most public spaces anymore, but they were the test of endurance and strength (and bravery) for an entire...
A.I.R. Your Emotions: Navigating Grief with Acknowledgment, Identification, and Release
Line Fleming , M.A.
Grief is what we experience when dealing with loss. Examples include loss of someone we love, loss of physical ability, or loss of a relationship. We grieve what is no longer there. Grief is a process we must journey...
A Hole in Your Heart: Living with Grief and Loss
Alice D. Hoag , Ed.D.
I was talking with a client the other day, let’s call her Julie (not her real name), about the recent loss of a relationship which had affected her deeply. Our conversation went something like this: Me: The final stage of...
Coping with Grief During the Holidays
Stephen Walters , M.Div., M.A.
For some, the holidays are fun and exciting. For others, they can be painful. The holidays may be a reminder of loved ones we have lost, relationships that are hurting, or other struggles in life. This can lead to...
Grief Observed
We are all touched by loss and grief at some point in our lives. As painful of a reality to experience, death is a tragedy that we cannot escape. Grief is the experience and natural feelings that come with...
How to Show Up for Your Suicidal Loved One
Aleisha Parker , M.Ed.
When someone you love expresses to you their deep emotional pain or shares their thoughts of suicide, it can be extremely difficult. People experiencing such emotions are vulnerable and need their support network to show up for them in...
Loss and Recovery
The great H. Norman Wright once wrote that the most important element in recovering from loss is to remain connected to other people. This has no doubt been even more difficult if you have experienced a loss due to...
The Path to Reconciliation
Alice D. Hoag , Ed.D.
“I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.” These words are often cited as facilitating the process of forgiveness. While helpful, they are woefully inadequate when attempting a reconciliation in the face of serious wounding and betrayal, such as...
Addressing Our Grief Over COVID-19
Needless to say, there has been major changes in our world in the past month. We are all going to adjust and come terms with COVID-19 at different times and different levels. For instance, do you look outside your...
Helping Siblings Cope
When a child is first diagnosed with cancer, the parent’s focus is inevitably on getting their child the care and treatment they need. This focus continues through treatment and can last months or even years. It is a very...
Repressed Memories: Fact or Fiction?
Rebecca L. Marshall , Ph.D.
Do our brains protectively block our own recall of memories of traumatic experiences? Repressed memories are thought to be blocked from one’s conscious awareness due to a high level of stress or trauma associated with the forgotten experience. ...
Navigating Through Grief
The Holidays are here, in the midst of the hustle sometimes we need to stop and reflect on all the emotions stirring within us. As we focus on hanging the stockings with care and finding the perfect gift for...
Grieving During The Holidays
5 Ways to Help Yourself Cope and Heal During This Season The holidays are a time when we can feel a renewed sense of personal grief over the loss of a loved one or the end of an important relationship....
Grieving the Loss of a Loved One During the Holidays
As we approach the end of the year, the atmosphere seems to change: the air gets cooler; the lights seem brighter; and there tends to be a certain level of merriment. For some people, this time of the...
5 Ways to Ease Loneliness
Brittany Glaser , M.A., M.Div.
There’s a difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Opening Snapchat, Instagram or Facebook makes it feel like everyone else in our lives are busy taking beautiful pictures, making lovely food, or going to exotic places. Loneliness sets in...
The Power of Therapy
There are a lot of reasons that people choose to seek counseling. The benefits of counseling can be unending, but sometimes making the first appointment can be hard. Maybe you’re thinking about whether it would be helpful, but are...